Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a special cloud computing model that allows a third-party vendor to provide hardware and software to users over the Internet. Platform services tools are often used in the development of both mobile and cross-platform applications, as well as in DevOps tools.
PaaS allows to free developers from additional installation of their own hardware and software to launch or develop a new application – hardware and software are hosted by the provider in its own infrastructure.
Platform services: pros and cons
Speaking about the advantages of PaaS, they usually emphasize:
- simplification of the multiplatform application development process;
- reduction of operational burden;
- increased development capabilities that do not require additional human resources;
- increased efficiency of application management;
- enhanced functionality for remote teamwork.
PaaS services are available, which, despite the pros, can also be a drawback: when a provider experiences infrastructure failures, it negatively impacts customers and entails costly loss of productivity.
Another challenge could also be internal changes to the PaaS product (e.g., when a provider stops supporting a particular programming language). In order to understand how a PaaS provider’s plan will affect the environment and user experience, they must follow its roadmap.